Rangers and Celtic set for talks over contentious Old Firm derby issue as £60,000 cost highlighted
Rangers are Celtic will hold talks over the summer regarding the highly unpopular Old Firm derby away support issue, according to The Times.
The final two SPFL meetings of the Glasgow rivals will have no away fans in the stadium after clashes around the Viaplay Cup final on 26 February at Hampden Park.
The standoff between the two clubs had already seen the numbers reduced to approximately 800, a situation that is widely seen as imperfect, but the total absence of opposition supporters has been called a “huge disappointment” by Andy Walker [Sky Sports].
According to The Times: “Talks will be held between the clubs over the summer about going back to around 800 away fans but the days of ten times that number have gone forever. Rangers feel answerable to the wishes of their increased season-ticket base and so the Broomloan is now theirs.
“Celtic yearn for the days of a full away end but will not make the first move by offering that to Rangers because it would be perceived as caving in and so provoke a fierce backlash from their own support. Besides, Celtic also have an increased season-ticket base to prioritise now.”
Contentious
It is difficult to see a way back to the way things were just a few years ago, but a total ban is almost universally unpopular so it is a positive that discussions will be held.
Activities of rival supporters on match days, even with a ban on Gers fans inside Parkhead on Saturday (8 April), means Police Scotland will still be paid up to £60,000 to “handle” derby day.
So it is not even going to remove the risk of any sort of clashes or save money, but does remove the ability for any Light Blues fans to see the game live.
As it is Michael Beale takes his side to Parkhead looking to record a first win over Ange Postecoglou at the third attempt.
Giovanni van Brockhorst had a miserable league record at the home of the Hoops, so it is imperative that his successor makes a major improvement on that.
The title may be out of reach either way, but that doesn’t take the heat of the result of this game in any way.
In other Rangers news, Tom English says two senior pros ‘will depart’ Ibrox this summer.